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“Graham Blackmore. Nice to make your acquaintance.”
Laura stood in deference. “I’m Laura Hawkins.” She curtsied. “And this is Frederick.” Frederick bowed.
“I hope that you don’t mind my presence. I couldn’t stand that stuffy tea for one more second.”
Frederick replied, “Perfectly understandable.”
“That’s a fine hedge that you’re trimming, old chap.”
“I’ve been at my trade for some time,” Frederick quipped.
As Frederick and Graham Blackmore exchanged conversation, Laura couldn’t help smiling to herself. Edward’s best friend had many of the same qualities. He was kind and open, treating the staff as though they were mortals, just like himself. Laura found it comforting to watch. Oh, but how she wished that that was Edward standing there.
Graham turned to her. “You were the one that brought us tea this afternoon.”
Laura could tell that he was examining her. “That is true, Your Grace.”
Graham continued to look at her but remained silent. His silence was speaking volumes, as though he knew that Edward had been watching her the entire time she was in the study.
Graham spoke plainly. “Do you like Edward?”
If Laura’s cheek was flushed before, it was now a burning crimson. How was she to answer this question? Whatever answer she gave would no doubt be transferred to the master.
“He is a fine employer. I like it here very much.”
Laura watched as Frederick returned to trimming the hedge, trying not to overhear the conversation.
“He seems to like having you here.”
“Sir, may I ask what you’re implying?”
Graham winked at her. “Nothing at all. Just making pleasant conversation.”
***
Returning to the parlour with his guests, Edward was more than ready for the afternoon tea to be concluded. He felt a weariness that he couldn’t describe. Graham had the gumption to merely walk away, but being the host, Edward was not able to do so.
Anna approached yet again. “Your guests are so pleased. They’re secretly hoping you’ll have them stay for supper.”
“I’m afraid it’s impossible. The ambassador to Denmark is scheduled to visit.”
“All the more reason to have us stay.” Anna smiled suggestively.
What the devil was the woman thinking? Yes, she was trying to impose herself upon him, and Edward had no choice but to be gracious. But he’d never seen a woman so forceful in her intentions. Society dictated that women shouldn’t, so naturally, Edward admired her pluck. But the whole ordeal was causing fatigue.
In the end, Anna did not have her way. The guests began to trickle out, and Edward felt a moment’s relief. Before departing, Anna gently placed her hand in Edward’s. He could feel that she was handing him a note of some kind.
“Till we meet again,” she said.
“Indeed.”
Once she departed, Edward heaved a sigh of relief and walked to his study, curious as to what the note might say. Were they schoolchildren? Anna’s behaviour was surprising, to say the least.
Sitting at his desk, Edward finally opened the note.
Edward,
Will you agree to meet my father? He shares my fondness for you.
